Day Trip: Lakawon
Lakawon is an Island off the coast of Cadiz City with basic amenities. An island really made to chill, enjoy and leave your stress on the main land. Here are some reminders to make sure you enjoy your trip to this island as carefree as possible.
When to Visit
- January to April is the dry season for the Philippines. It is just before summer and the perfect time to visit the Philippines.
- April to May is the summer season. This welcomes foreign and local tourists to the island. Be prepared with the heat! Hydrate and wear breathable clothing.
- May to October is the rainy season in the Philippines which is also considered as the off-peak season. This provides lower cost for airfare, hotels and tours. But be prepared for possibilities of being stranded in an island: a blessing and a curse!
- October to December is already the colder season in the Philippines but also the best time to go around. The weather is cool and places aren't crowded.
What to Bring
There are stores along the way to Cadiz Viejo port, a store at the port before you board for the island and a shop at the resort. But best to bring these to save some money:
- Swimwear
- Change of clotes
- Washbag
- Towel
- Beach towel
- Sunblock
- Powerbank
- Hat/cap
- Cameras
- Cash
- Sunglasses
Best to have a dry bag where your gadgets can stay dry and safe. But in a pinch, you can always use a ziplock bag to make it waterproof.
You have an option to bring your own food to the island but there's also a restaurant there. A bar is also available if in any case beer isn't your drink of choice.
How to Get There
Getting to Cadiz Viejo Port
There are a couple different ways to get to the port with the boats that will bring you to Lakawon.
1. Private Vehicle
2. Renting Out a Taxi
3. Public Transportation
1. Private Vehicle
There are a lot of car rentals in Bacolod. This can be used to go around Bacolod City as well. There is also an option to board a bigger ferry with your car from Manila to Bacolod using RORO, Roll On Roll Off.
Car rentals vary in fee from 1,300php to 1,500php with the gas use to be topped up upon return.
With a private vehicle, it takes an hour and a half to drive North of Bacolod to reach the port.
2. Renting Out a Taxi
Taxis in Bacolod are quite spacious, it can fit 4 people and some luggage at the back.
Similar to a private vehicle, cost varies depending on the agreed amount with the driver or the meter.
Drive also takes an hour to an hour and a half North to the port.
3. Public Transportation
Its easy to go around Bacolod with their efficient and cheap local transportation.
Go to the Ceres bus terminal in Bacolod City and purchase a ticket to Cadiz City which costs 200php. There's no reserved seating but be observant that usually the two seats behind the driver and right after the door is reserved for Persons With Disability or Senior Citizens.
Upon departing the bus, take a tricycle which will take you to the port which costs 120 per way.
Cadiz Viejo Port
At the port, there's a ticket booth and it opens at 7am. Usually, there's a line and numbers are provided to secure the line. Ticket prices costs 350php which includes the entrance to the island and the return boat.
Boats run every 2 hours starting 7am, and the last trip from Lakawon back to Cadiz Viejo Port is at 5pm.
There are a lot of stores and eatery at the port selling food, water and other essentials such as dry bag or water protective cases for your phone. There's also a wash room where you can clean up before your trip home.
The tricycle terminal is also right there which is easy access back to where you were dropped off by the bus.
What to Expect
Lakawon Island is off the coast of Cadiz with pristine white sand, turquoise waters and Asia's largest floating bar: The Lakawon Floating Bar.
Sporting activities are available such as kayaking and jet ski but chilling on the beach is more than welcome.
Huts are by the beach where you can leave your things as you enjoy the water.
The Sunset Bar provides local delicacies and good drinks at a good price. Do note to bring enough cash when you go here. There are no ATMs, cellular signal might be spotty which means online banking might not be at its best. Cash is the way to go.
Do enjoy the beach and relax. Similar to other beaches in the Philippines, it is incomparable as it has its own charm: quiet, distant with white sandy beaches peppered with star fish and crabs.
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